What Are Captions?
Captions are text that every piece of pre-recorded audio content must offer.
Just as an example, if you have a video interview, then this video interview must come with captions. By offering captions, those who cannot hear very well, will be able to understand what is being said within the video.
Outside of the above, captions also include non-speech information. This information might include the pictures seen within a video or other relevant visual information that is necessary to understand the overall content.
The reason why non-speech information must be clarified, within captions, is as follows: many of those who use captions cannot see well and, instead of looking at captions, they listen to them using a screen reader.
What Are Live Captions?
Live captions are text that plays over live content, as opposed to playing over pre-recorded content.
A good example of live captions is a live football game in which the presenters discuss what is happening, and key visual information is presented within the game.
The things that each presenter says must come with captions, so that those who cannot hear very well are able to understand what is being said. This is also true of visual information that is integral to understanding the game.
Are Live Captions Necessary?
The answer to the question outlined above is as follows: yes, live captions are necessary.
Even though the above is true, there is one major caveat: some live media do not require captions. And with that fact in mind, the live media that does not require live captions is as follows:
● Audio-only live broadcasts do not require captions.
● Video-only live broadcasts do not require captions.
Just as an example of the above, if you have a podcast, then that live podcast does not need captions. Alternatively, if you have a video of you walking in nature with no sound, then that video doesn’t require captions.
On the other hand, if that live broadcast ends with a video or audio file being published on your site, in a format that is no longer live, then that file must come with captions.
How Can You Develop Live Captions?
The best way to develop live captions is to work with a Communication Access Realtime Service. By doing so, you can develop good, high-quality live captions that are ADA accessible.
If you cannot afford CART due to its high cost, then you can use AI-based automatic captioning. These tools aren’t always accurate, but if you have someone who can correct the captions during the broadcast, then you can guarantee the overall quality and accuracy of your live captions.
Right after your live broadcast turns into a video or audio file, you should go over the previously-live captions and correct any errors that may have been missed.
Speak With A New York ADA Web Accessibility Lawyer Today
Your website must offer captions for any audio/video content. And depending on the content you host, it may need to offer live captions, as well.
Speak with a New York ADA web accessibility lawyer today, and we will protect your website from the ADA claim/lawsuit that it is facing.
